Print | PDF

By Juanita Metzger
 

Tami MacDonald knew from a very early age that she wanted to work in fashion. That sense of purpose has carried her from drawing sketches as a young girl to now creating her own line of stylish bridal wear.

“I’ve lived my life following signs, markers, intuitions, serendipity,” Tami explains, so it’s only fitting that she would step confidently into her next business move.

As a graduate of the Fashion Design and Technique program at Seneca College, Tami’s passion and talent led her to work and experience-building opportunities in Zimbabwe, Australia, and England.

Closer to home, she has worked annual contracts with the Stratford Festival creating detailed bijoux and costume decoration for 15 theatre seasons.

Tami has also operated Mina Bridal Design since 2013, designing and sewing everything from “alterations to custom, one-of-a-kind gowns.” “I know how to fit a woman’s body and make them look their best,” Tami said. “I focus on quality, on style and attention to detail.”

She has been making wedding and bridesmaids dresses for friends and family since the age of 18, but it was “one of those moments” when she saw a close friend in one of her uniquely designed wedding gowns that made her realize, “clearly this is my calling!”

Tami’s approach to bridal wear allows each customer to choose their own dress elements from her catalogue – a top, a bodice, a skirt, the material - to create a look that is individually suited to their body and style.

Recently Tami started sketching out the idea of opening a storefront location for her line of bridal wear, along with second-hand and one-of-a-kind dresses. She shelved the idea when COVID-19 hit but turned her attention to generating some cash to make her dream a reality – at some point in the future.

When the opportunity to participate in the Grow My Business Accelerator program at Laurier’s Women Entrepreneurship Centre came across her Instagram feed, Tami saw it as a good sign. She already knew that she had two goals for the program; “I wanted to raise money, and I wanted to open a store.”

First goal? Accomplished.

“The money they’ve helped me generate financially, it’s phenomenal,” Tami said of the capital she secured to invest in fabric.

Second goal? Change of plans.

After her program mentor questioned the need and overhead costs of a storefront business model, Tami decided to adjust course and concentrate on designing her line. She plans to sell directly from her website and Etsy and have her dresses available in select bridal shops, which should generate revenue more quickly than a shop.

That’s the value of a “different perspective looking at my business,” Tami admits. Ever since making her decision, she has been “making dresses like mad,” which she also admits, is a lot more creative than looking for real estate and has allowed her to refocus on her core passion - for fashion.

Watch Her Soar by following her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Juanita Metzger is a freelance writer specializing in hyperlocal community features, profiles and travel. She also owns and operates Stroll Walking Tours based in Kitchener, Ontario. 

The Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC), as part of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs of every age, stage and culture to achieve their business dreams. We believe in fostering leadership. We believe that everyone deserves an equal shot at success. We believe in connecting you with the right people, skills and support to make it happen.